New legislation could change that
Alberta,07,DEC,2025,(India Today News CA):- Alberta lawyers are currently required to complete a mandatory Indigenous cultural competency course called “The Path,” implemented by the Law Society of Alberta in 2021 in response to Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Call to Action #27. This one-time, five-to-six-hour online training covers Indigenous history, residential schools, treaties, Aboriginal rights, and cultural awareness, with most active lawyers having completed it.​
Recent Vote
In a recent vote, Alberta lawyers overwhelmingly supported retaining the mandatory requirement, with 2,609 votes in favor and 864 against, rejecting a petition to remove it.​
Proposed Changes
On December 4, 2025, Justice Minister Mickey Amery introduced Bill 14, which aims to limit the Law Society’s authority to impose such mandatory training, potentially altering or ending the Indigenous education requirement. Critics, including Indigenous legal experts, argue this could hinder reconciliation efforts and make Alberta lag behind other provinces. The bill’s passage remains pending as of December 7, 2025.
